(Denver) – The Denver District Court has ruled that the Denver Clerk and Recorder was correct in her interpretation of the law that allowed her to send ballots to all eligible voters in the 2011 Coordinated Election.

“I am glad the court ruled in our favor.” Debra Johnson said. “We have always disagreed with the Secretary’s interpretation of which voters can be mailed ballots in coordinated elections. This is a fundamental issue of fairness and ensuring that the voting process is accessible. Eligible voters deserve equal access to the ballot and we look forward to resolving this issue once and for all.”

Colorado Secretary of State Scott Gessler sued Johnson on September 21, 2011 to prevent her from sending mail ballots to voters who were in “inactive” status due to not voting in the 2010 General Election.

Denver City Attorney Doug Friednash stated “Secretary Gessler overstepped his authority by dictating that Denver could not send out mail ballots to its lawfully registered voters. We should be working to make it easier for our citizens to vote and we feel vindicated that we have been able to stop Secretary Gessler's latest attempt to place roadblocks in the way of voters. Denver voters should be proud of Debra Johnson for standing up and fighting for a system that encourages voter participation.”

Legislation will soon be introduced to remove the Inactive Failed to Vote status from Colorado election law.